New jobless claims slightly down in region as coronavirus reopening continues

The number of new unemployment claims again fell slightly last week in the District, Maryland and Virginia, the latest sign that the shutdown because of the novel coronavirus is bottoming out. More than 1.3 million jobless claims have been filed in the District, Maryland and Virginia since social distancing measures shut down much of the economy in March, and the number of people out of work remains high. (Wash Post)

With Carroll County set to take next reopening step, businesses looking forward to welcoming back customers

Carroll County is further rolling back restrictions put in place during the coronavirus pandemic, in accordance with the governor’s second phase for reopening, and affected local businesses are eager to again welcome customers. The Board of County Commissioners agreed during their Thursday meeting to proceed with Gov. Larry Hogan’s move to enter Phase 2 of his recovery plan beginning Friday at 5 p.m. That will allow for the reopening of many businesses that had been deemed nonessential during the pandemic. (Balt Sun)

What can reopen? What can’t? What you need to know as Maryland moves into Phase 2 of coronavirus recovery

Tattoo and massage parlors, tanning and nail salons and many other nonessential Maryland businesses can welcome back customers beginning this weekend — but only by appointment and at no more than 50% capacity. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Wednesday lifted several more of the coronavirus-related restrictions in his executive order, effective at 5 p.m. Friday, allowing many nonessential businesses to reopen, and state agencies will begin returning to more normal operations beginning Monday. (Balt Sun)

Inky Technology Corp. raises $20M in Series B funding round

Inky Technology Corporation, a College Park-based provider of e-mail phishing protection, announced Thursday the company’s $20 million Series B round of funding, led by global venture capital and private equity firm Insight Partners. The funding round accelerates enterprise adoption, global expansion and its innovation roadmap. Insight has previously invested in cybersecurity companies Darktrace, SentinelOne, Armis, and Tenable. The addition of the Series B funding brings the total investment in the company to $31.6 million. (Daily Record)

Nearly 2 million people applied for unemployment last week, even as economy shows signs of reopening

Below are the results as they come in for the major primary races in Maryland. Of course, this wasn’t your average Election Day. Every registered Marylander was sent a mail ballot in an attempt to hold down crowds at polling places during the coronavirus pandemic, and it will likely be days before results are known, much less finalized. These are the latest numbers as of 5:30 p.m. June 3. (WTOP)

COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted On Non-Essential Businesses Friday; Does Not Include Restaurants, Gyms

Maryland will begin stage two of the state’s coronavirus recovery plan on Friday thanks to declines in key case metrics, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday. At 5 p.m. Friday, the state will lift the order requiring the closure of non-essential businesses. Nail salons, tanning salons and massage parlors in the state will be able to reopen at 50 percent capacity. (WJZ)

Baltimore rolls out new permits for sidewalk dining, street closures during Covid-19

Baltimore has launched two permitting processes to allow restaurants to serve socially distanced diners outside, and help food establishments suffering from the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The first application, for outdoor sidewalk dining, is available through the Department of Housing and Community Development. While many restaurants already had permits for sidewalk seating before the pandemic — and were allowed to start serving customers as of last Friday — those that did not can now apply online via ePermits and select the category, “Outdoor Seating - Temporary.” (Balt Sun)

Gov. Larry Hogan’s Phase Two of the Maryland Roadmap to Recovery Plan does not include the opening of indoor dining at restaurants, but they can continue to offer outdoor dining or curbside pick. In Annapolis, Main street, Maryland avenue, West Street and Market Place were closed to cars so that people can dine outside and still practice social distancing. (WJZ)